THE Aberaeron Festival of Welsh Ponies and Cobs, now approaching its second anniversary, is pledging a wider programme than last year's inaugural event.

THE Aberaeron Festival of Welsh Ponies and Cobs, now approaching its second anniversary, is pledging a wider programme than last year's inaugural event.

On Sunday, August 10 the Ceredigion town's 'Square Field', together with the surrounding streets, will host a huge exhibition of Wales' indigenous breeds of ponies and horses.

The programme begins at midday with a pageant to outline the history of the 'Welsh Robin Hood', Twm Sion Cati.

Daredevil riders, The Horseman of the Apocalypse, will entertain the crowds and the increasingly popular Welsh Display Team will add a musical element to the day.

For equine enthusiasts there is a demonstration of "From the Heart Natural Horsemanship" - a method of riding with fewer aids than traditional styles. Mirror Jumping, another new item, will supplement a programme designed to outline the all round ability of the five sections in the Welsh Pony & Cob Stud book.

Another addition is a drive of horse drawn vehicles from the National Trust property at Llanerchaeron along the picturesque Aeron Valley. nDetails: Clive Hoyles 01570 470 714.